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Narcissistic Temptations to Cross Boundaries and How to Manage Them

390 West End Avenue 1H New York, NY 10024-200, sjcoenmd{at}aol.com, Columbia University Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University

The narcissism of analysts is considered here from the perspective of the narcissistic temptations of boundary crossing. The literature on boundary crossing in psychoanalysis has focused minimally on the more ordinary, nonsexual temptations analysts face with their patients. Narcissistic temptations with particularly impressive patients are explored. What analysts find impressive in their patients depends both on what patients bring and on what analysts need. This paper aims to heighten analysts' awareness of their narcissistic needs in treating patients who tempt them too much. The goal is for analysts to be able to catch and then examine their narcissistic excitement with such patients in order to avoid compromising the treatment. Danger signs and ways of managing the problems they point toward are presented.

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Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association, Vol. 55, No. 4, 1169-1190 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/000306510705500404


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This Article Abstract Free Full Text (Free PDF) Free Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by Coen, S. J. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Coen, S. J. Pubmed/NCBI databases Medline Plus Health Information Choosing a Doctor or Health Care Service Family Issues Talking With Your Doctor Social Bookmarking                         What's this?